This most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
